GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Press, Volume XXVI, Issue 3390, 15 July 1876, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

[By Electric Telegraph ]

[Per Press Agency.]

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Thursday, July 13. option bill. The House resumed at 7 30, taking up the debate on Mr Stout's Local Option Licensing Bill. Mr SwANSON announced that he would vote for the second reading, though he had no sympathy with the Bill. Mr J. E. Brown said he would support the second reading, so as to be able to propose an amendment in committee in clause 13, to make the Bill apply only to new applicants for licenses. Mr Murray strongly supported the Bill, saying the people of England drank enough in five years to pay off the National Debt, and if there was prohibition to some extent in the colony, it would effect a large improvement in the condition of the people and the revenue of the colony. Mr Macandrew moved an adjournment of the debate, so that they might learn what the publicans had to say against the Bill in their petitions. Mr Wakefield opposed the postponement. They had better decide upon the principle of the Bill at once. Mr Hunter seconded the adjournment. A division was taken, and the amendment lostby-49 against 24. Mr Murray-Aynsley's amendment, that the Bill be considered that day six months, was then put. Mr Lusk made a strong appeal in defence of the Bill, urging that the Bill was only carrying out the principle sanctioned by the House in 1873, but which, through not having given the machinery to carry that principle into effect, was nothing but a fraud upon the public at large. Mr Wood opposed the Bill. death of the agent general. The Premier then read a telegram, given bi;n by Captain Holt, informing him of the death of Dr Featherston, and said he was sure he would only be consulting the feelings of the House in moving the adjournment. - Mr Stout not objecting, the House adjourned accordingljr.